Monitor Technician/Nursing Assistant I - 7th Floor Progressive Care Unit

Progressive Care Unit (PCU) Monitoring Technician/Nursing Assistant I

The Progressive Care Unit (PCU) at UNC Wayne is a specialized 28 bed unit. This unit primarily serves adult patients, ages 18 and up, dealing with a range of acute and chronic cardiac diseases as well as medical/surgical conditions. Our patient population includes individuals requiring continuous cardiac monitoring for non-critical issues, as well as those managing cardiac arrhythmias and other serious complications of cardiovascular disease. Common diagnoses treated in the PCU include Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), NSTEMI, and pre/post cardiac procedures like cardiac catheterizations and pacemaker placement. The PCU bridges the gap between the ICU and medical-surgical units by providing continuous monitoring and frequent nursing assessments and interventions.

The Monitoring Technician/Nursing Assistant I is responsible for the on-going surveillance of patient cardiac monitors and providing RNs and/or clinicians with immediate notification of any changes in cardiac rhythms. Reviews patient information to determine normal heart rhythm pattern, current pattern and prior variances. Works cooperatively as part of a team and under the supervision of an RN/LPN. Also performs the duties and responsibilities of a Nursing Assistant I as directed.

Responsibilities:

• Continually monitors patients on telemetry by interpreting and recording all EKG rhythms.
• Provides direct patient care by performing patient preparation for monitoring.
• Monitors O2 sats and blood pressure as appropriate.
• Understands parameters indicating when to alert the supervising nurse.
• Provides and accurately processes telemetry monitor records and other documents.
• Ensures all patient care equipment is in safe working order prior to use. Reports any issues to management and removes malfunctioning equipment from service.
• Measures vital signs including temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, etc.
• Provides personal care such as bathing, mouth care, skin care, hair care, bed making, and dressing/undressing.
• Assists with nutritional needs of patients by performing tasks such as preparing patients for meal time and feeding patients when needed.
• Assists patients with elimination needs through tasks such as use of bedpan/urinal, bowel/bladder training, collection of specimens, and perineal/catheter care.
• Measures height and weight.
• Measures and records intake and output.
• Accurately documents patient care as provided and according to unit specific standards.
• Promotes effective communication between patients, teammates, physicians, and visitors.
• Ensures teamwork by demonstrating cooperative, constructive, and problem-solving interactions.
• Ensures a safe, clean, and orderly environment for self, patients, and teammates.
• Responds appropriately and promptly in emergency situations.
• Provides assistance and customer service to patients and visitors.

Education:

• Successful completion of Basic EKG training with a minimum passing score of 85%.
• Completion of state approved Level I Nurse Aide training and competency evaluation program or its equivalent.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required, any higher education from an accredited college will supersede this requirement.

Licensure/Certification:

• EKG Monitoring Certification preferred.
• Current Listing on the North Carolina Nurse Aide I registry.
• Certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support.

Experience:

• Prior experience as a Nursing Assistant or in a health care setting preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to interpret and understand EKGs and arrhythmias.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of monitoring equipment.
• Ability to maintain competency in non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) and pulse oximetry (SpO2) as appropriate.
• Ability to provide excellent patient and customer care to all patients and their visitors as well as internal and external teammates.
• Ability to speak, read, write, and communicate effectively.
• Able to learn new software rapidly. Knowledge of EMR/Epic preferred.
• Valid NC Driver's License: No
• If driving a Wayne UNC Vehicle, must be 21 years old and MVR must be approved by Risk Management.

NUR-753

01.6013.NUR-753.P/T